Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Permanent

Communications Department

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote

Bargaining Unit Position : Yes

Our Organization

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives.

For over five decades, we have been working as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and everyday people to create and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing problems—from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting disinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war.  Values informing our work include :

• Science in the service of people and the planet.
• Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes—now, and for future generations.
• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.
• Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly.
• Democracy to promote a voice for all in government decisions.
• Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

UCS’s Communications Program

The Communications Officer develops and implements strategies and tactics to maximize earned media visibility for UCS, our issues, experts, and products to contribute to campaign impact and raise visibility among supporters and potential supporters of our work.

Serving as the media point person for one or more UCS campaigns, the position requires the ability to rapidly assess short and long terms tasks and pivot quicky to respond to changing priorities within the workday, altering assignments while meeting deadlines and responsibilities.  The position requires the ability to guide and execute program media strategies with some minimal oversight, depending on the years of experience.

UCS employees center all their work on UCS’s core values of racial equity and environmental justice. They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the program / department, center anti-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow.

Responsibilities

Serve as the media point person for one or more UCS campaigns, with flexibility to jump on media opportunities that may arise for other issue areas.

Establish relationships with journalists to garner coverage of UCS material, positions, and experts.

Enhance media and interview skills of UCS staff.

Track UCS press hits and contribute to quarterly media reporting.

Other Duties As Assigned

People Management Authority

Manage media consultants and interns as needed or for specific projects.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Physical Requirements

Work Schedule

Regular Office Hours that accommodate the East Coast media market. May include occasional nights, weekends, and on-call on a rotational schedule over holidays or as needed.

Travel Requirements

Some travel may be required, totaling 0-5 times a year.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff. We’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities.

Benefits

Details

This is a full-time remote position. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $84,194.12. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

Information about the organization is available at http : / / www.ucsusa.org .

Comparable training and / or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

More about the team :

Our team is made up of a dedicated group of researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and a collaborative and supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. We continually strive to create an environment which is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and people with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.